Welcome to CSTARS

About

The Center for Spatial Technologies and Remote Sensing (CSTARS), directed by Susan L. Ustin, at the University of California, Davis has been known for leadership in environmental applications of remote sensing and geospatial data for three decades. Today it has one of the strongest environmental remote sensing groups in the United States, with an emphasis on multidisciplinary research. CSTARS scientists come from many disciplines including Geospatial Information Systems, Ecology, Computer Science, Geography, Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Soils and Biogeochemistry, Atmospheric, and Hydrologic Sciences.

The Center’s research focus is on characterizing ecosystem processes and structure, especially aspects that address impacts of climate and land use changes, environmental sustainability and ecosystem services. Working at all spatial scales, from the field to the globe, CSTARS utilizes geospatial technologies to acquire, analyze and interpret remotely sensed data.

CSTARS mission is to provide leadership in promoting sustainable environments by developing research methods that use applications of core geospatial technologies, their adoption by various environmental sectors, and the training and transfer of these technologies to a diverse user community.

Brief History

CSTARS began as a collaboration of faculty, Ph.D.’s and Post-docs, which has continued as they entered into professional positions. Over the years, it has expanded into a growing network of remote sensing researchers across the globe, who share information, ideas and opportunities to collaborate.